What is a garden annexe?

A garden annexe is a single-storey building in the garden with its own living space, bathroom and often a kitchenette, used by relatives, older children or guests. Unlike a garden room, it is built as habitable accommodation with foundations, insulation and services.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Gwynedd?
In Gwynedd, a garden annexe typically costs £1,650–£2,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). For a typical 35 m² project that is roughly £58,000–£91,000. We start from a UK-wide guide and adjust it for Wales, where labour and materials are typically about 8% below average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (24 m²) | £39,500–£62,500 |
| Typical project (35 m²) | £58,000–£91,000 |
| Larger project (49 m²) | £81,000–£127,500 |
| Rate per m² | £1,650–£2,600 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Kitchen and bathroom
- Size and layout
- Access for materials
- Drainage connection distance
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a garden annexe in Gwynedd?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in Wales. In Wales an annexe with sleeping accommodation usually needs planning permission; outbuildings under permitted development must be incidental to the house.
Building regulations in Wales are set by the Welsh Government. Approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver, with inspections during the work and a completion certificate at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
On a typical garden annexe we handle:
- Glazed doors and windows
- Insulated walls and roof
- External cladding or brickwork
- Foundations and drainage connections
- Building control sign-off
- Electrics and heating
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 10 to 16 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 3 to 4 months.
Building in Gwynedd
Wales has many terraced valley streets, stone cottages and post-war estates, so extension designs are shaped by slopes, materials and local character.
Towns we cover in Gwynedd include Bangor, Llandudno, Holyhead and Caernarfon.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about garden annexes in Gwynedd
Can an annexe be rented out?
Not without further planning permission, as that would make it a separate dwelling.
Does it need building regulations?
Yes, as it contains sleeping accommodation and services.
Do I need planning permission for a garden annexe in Gwynedd?
In Wales an annexe with sleeping accommodation usually needs planning permission; outbuildings under permitted development must be incidental to the house.
How much does a garden annexe cost in Gwynedd?
In Gwynedd, a garden annexe typically costs £1,650–£2,600 per m² of floor area, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). A typical 35 m² project comes to roughly £58,000–£91,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Who approves a garden annexe in Gwynedd?
Planning matters in Gwynedd go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How long does it take?
Typically 10 to 16 weeks on site.
